The EPA requires that companies performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools obtain certification by the EPA and that they use certified renovators (employees) trained by EPA-approved educators to follow lead-safe work practices. It is commonly believed that many learning and behavioral disorders stem from associated lead-based paint hazards.
Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Classes have begun and over 300,000 renovators have been certified, but economic hardship, regional disaster declarations and the actual EPA enforcement of the rule is already under distress.
The LRRP rule was enacted on April 22, 2010, but the EPA announced it was delaying enforcement, acknowledging concerns raised by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) and other industrial supporters and policy makers.
The specific delays include:
Until Oct. 1, 2010, the EPA will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP Rule's firm certification requirement.
For violations of the RRP Rule's renovation worker certification requirement, the EPA will not enforce against individual renovation workers if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, by no later than Sept. 30, 2010, a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. Renovators must complete the training by Dec. 31, 2010.
"Despite the progress that has been made, the numbers of certified trainers, firms, and renovators is still too limited, and that when coupled with the current lack of accurate test kits and public awareness, EPA is not fully prepared to effectively implement and administer the program under the current timeline established by the final rule," NLBMDA president Michael O'Brien wrote in his letter to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson regarding the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (LRRP) rule. The letter endorsed a petition by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to delay the April 22 implementation date.
Though enforcement has been delayed, the NLBMDA said it continues to have numerous concerns with the RRP Rule, including the removal of the opt-out provision and the lack of reliable test kits. In addition, new proposals from the EPA on clearance testing and an expansion of the rule to commercial construction pose additional challenges for the industry, which has still yet to recover from the recession.
Visit Accuform Signs for updates regarding facility identification and all of your ANSI safety sign and OSHA safety sign needs.
Visit Accuform Signs for updates regarding facility identification and all of your ANSI safety sign and OSHA safety sign needs.
At issue іѕ thе EPA's proposed alter tο require “clearance testing” tο prove thе presence οr absence οf lead following a house renovation project. Describing thе clearance testing аѕ a dramatic alter.
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